6.07

Student Immunizations and Health Records

POLICY OVERVIEW

All students registering at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (“university”) are required to furnish an immunization record signed by a health care provider.

POLICY CONTACT

For questions regarding this policy, contact the Student Health Clinic.

For questions regarding immunizations and screening tests required by individual schools, contact the appropriate school’s Office of Student Affairs.

PROCEDURE

The following immunizations and screening tests are required for all students in the School of Nursing, Dental Branch, Medical School and for those students in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Information Sciences, and School of Public Health who have direct patient contact or who come in contact with human biological fluids or tissues. Students for whom these immunizations are not required by the university are strongly urged to obtain these immunizations for their own protection.

• Tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray: one of these must be done within 12 months of registration;
• Measles--proof of two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart or proof of immunity;
• Mumps--proof of one dose of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity;
• Rubella--proof of one dose administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity;
• Tetanus/diphtheria--proof of one "booster" dose of tetanus/diphtheria (within 10 years);
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV)--proof of serologic immunity to HBV or certification of immunization with a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine. Students will be required to present a letter or other suitable written certification; and
• Varicella (chickenpox)--positive history of disease in the past. If no disease in the past, varicella titer is required. If varicella titer is negative, varicella vaccine series is required.

(Note: Certain exemptions are allowed from the HBV and varicella immunizations requirement; students should contact their school’s Office of Student Affairs for information.)

Anyone born prior to January 1, 1957 need only to show proof of one measles vaccination or proof of immunity to all of the above.

Students are strongly encouraged to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine for their own protection.

Certain exemptions are allowed from required immunizations. These exemptions apply to an applicant for admission who submits to the Student Health Clinic:

• an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. stating the physician's opinion the required immunization would be injurious to the health or well-being of the applicant or any member of the applicant's household or family;
• an affidavit signed by the applicant stating the immunization conflicts with the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the applicant is an adherent or member (this exemption doesn't apply if an emergency or epidemic has been declared by the commissioner of public health); or
• proof that he or she is a member of the U.S. armed forces and is on active duty.

Individuals who have been offered admission to the university must assume the full cost of the immunizations prior to receiving student status.

A hold is automatically placed on an applicant’s record at the time an application for admission is submitted.  If admitted to the university, this hold will block registration. The Student Health Clinic will release all immunization holds after proof of immunizations is satisfied. The Student Health Clinic may place a hold on a student’s record at any time if a student fails to comply with the requirements of this policy.

Updated 08/05, 08/07, 05/08